This is an article I wrote for a new magazine I am writing for about life in Central America, soon to release the first issue. I thought it was perfect for promoting Placencia Peninsula, Maya Beach and Belize.

The Placencia Peninsula on the southern coast of Belize is quickly becoming the “go-to” destination for not only vacationers but also Expats. Considered part of Placencia is the small village of Maya Beach just north of downtown Placencia. Here the peninsula narrows to where in some places there is water on both sides of the road. However, the Maya Beach section is known as the Florida Keys of Belize. Offering both oceanfront homes and building lots as well as lagoon side lots, it quickly becomes a target for development.

This parking lot overflows many nights a week at Mango’s, for visitors and locals.

Besides some of the best sandy beaches in Belize, the main draw for many is the handful of restaurants in the village. On any given evening they are packed with cars lining the streets. Locals, as well as visitors in Placencia, will drive or take a cab just to eat and socialize in Maya Beach, for a good reason.

If you visit TripAdvisor and search “Best Restaurants in Placencia, Belize,” the #1 is the Maya Beach Hotel Bistro” located in Maya Beach. With well over 1,200 reviews, including a few of my own, everyone loves the menu, food, bartenders and especially the ocean views. They encourage you to come for happy hour with your bathing suit, relax in the pool, and then dine in the open-air restaurant.

What’s not to love with an exceptional wine list, fresh seafood, and fine dining menu.

Ellen and John opened the Bistro eight years ago and had built reputations that will certainly last years. My personal recommendation for breakfast is the Duck Sausage Hash, and dinner Seafood and Coconut Chowder, or truthfully, everything!

Inside seating at the Maya Beach Bistro, and awesome view! A two minute walk from my house!

The next restaurant, especially with the Expat population is Mango’s which offers a large parking lot, which you rarely will find a space. Ask anyone what they don’t like about Mango’s and they will tell you the fact that it’s closed on Monday and Tuesday! It’s that popular, as you can experience on a Wednesday night when cars line the main street in front. They offer a large menu of both American and Belize cuisines, with emphasis on local seafood. Another specialty served, and a local favorite is custom pizza! Climb the stairs, and as you enter the open restaurant doors, you immediately scan the “Specials Board,” offering dishes at a discount. You can bet when I see Lasagna on there; it becomes my choice. With an American named Frank as an owner, you can bet the pizza and lasagna are excellent. With Belizean cooks, guaranteed the seafood and traditional Belize dishes like the “Belizean Special of the Day” is the bomb!

Inside dining room at the Bonefish Grill in Maya Beach, spectacular !

And then there’s the Bonefish Grille located at Singing Sands Resort located within what appears a small Belize village in itself. This tropical setting, all under palm and Belize hardwoods creates a picture perfect dining experience. With a large multi-level open experience restaurant, Warm Ocean breezes, soft music and fine dining, you have arrived in heaven. With a delicious menu featuring local seafood with the Asian influence, a super open bar, and one of the best wine lists I have experienced in Belize, prepare to dazzle your taste buds.

Outside on oceanfront beach looking in at Bonefish Grill in Maya Beach.

Although there are a couple of other restaurants in Maya Beach, these are the ones that offer some of the best the area has to offer. Offering ambiance, fine dining, picture perfect locations and are frequented by locals, expats and vacationers more frequently than not. They are a major part of what keeps Maya Beach one of the most popular and visited villages in Belize today.

Look forward to dining at you all in one or all of these fine restaurants when you visit or move to Belize.